Chapter 37 Mom , Alex chirped , breaking Arnolds train of thought . Can you cook dinner for me tonight ? Like you used 107 Nora opened her mouth to respond , but before she could , the shrill ring of Arnolds phone cut through the moment , All eyes turned to him as he pulled the device from his pocket . He glanced at the screen , his face tightening ever so slightly . The name Linda flashed on the caller ID . Noras expression didnt change , but the silence that followed was telling . Alexs excitement dimmed as he noticed the shift in the atmosphere . Arnold hesitated before answering . Excuse me , he muttered , pushing his chair back and stepping out of the room . Arnolds voice , though muffled , carried from the hallway . Nora couldnt make out the words , but the tone was unmistakable soft , attentive . It didnt bother her the way it might have before . Instead , it was as if a wall separated her from the emotions she used to feel about Arnold Alex rugged on her sleeve . Youll still cook , at night , right ? Nora smiled down at him , pushing her own thoughts aside . Of course . Well make something delicious together . His grin returned , and Nuca couldnt help but feel a small sense of relief . În Alexs innocent joy , she found a semblance of peace , even if the rest of the house felt like a storm waiting to break . Arnold picked up the phone and answered with a soft , almost tender tone , Linda , he said , his voice a stark contrast to the silence that had blanketed the room moments ago . Noras hand froze mud reach for her glass of water . She felt a dull ache in her chest as she watched him speak He turned slightly away , his expression unreadable but unmistakably focused The intimacy in his tone stung She had spent years loving this man , defending their bond , and yet here she was feeling like a spectator in her own life . She had told herself time and again not to let it get to her , that she was above these emotions . But no matter how many times the repeated the mantra , the hurt was always there , lurking beneath her carefully constru Arnold firushed the call , shipping the phone into his pocket without a word to her He didnt meet her gaze I have to go , he said leakly , histone reverting to its usual detached coolnes Nora nodded , keeping her face neutral even though a knot was tightening in her stomach Of course , she said , her voce calm , almost too ralm . constructed exterior . Chapter 37 As Arnold turned to leave , Alexs small voice broke the silence . Tad , was that Aunt Linda on the phone ? Arnold stopped in his tracks , glancing back at his son Yes , he admitted Are you going to see her ? Alex asked , his bright eyes flickering with curiosity . Arnold hesitated briefly before nodding Yes , I need to discuss some things with her . Without waiting for further questions , be exited the room , leaving an awkward tension hanging in the air . Alex turned to his mother , his young face etched with confusion . Mom , can I go with Dad to see Aunt Linda ? Nora forced a smile . though her heart sank at the question . You can ask him , sweetheart , she said gently . Alex hesitated , looking at the door his father had just walked through But I dont want you to be mad at me if I go . Noras heart ached as she knelt beside him , taking his small hands in hers . Alex , Im not mad at you , she reassured him . You can talk to whoever you want . Alex nodded slowly , but has brow remained furrowed . I dont get why doesnt mom like Aunt Linda , he muttered to himself Shes so nice and pretty . And Dad says shes really smart too . Nora smiled faintly , masking the sharp pain his innocent words brought . n ups just dont get along , Alex . Its nothing you need to worry about . Sometimes grown u He seemed to accept her answer , though the curiosity didnt completely leave his eyes . He picked at his food absentmindedly , his appetite suddenly diminished Can we go to school now ? he asked after a few minutes . Of course , Nora replied As soon as Alex settled into the back seat of the car , he pulled out his cell phone Nora glanced at him in the rearview mirror , watching as his small fingers tapped away on the screen with determination . Who are you texting ? she asked lightly , though she already had a sinking suspicion Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!